The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Katsina State Government to implement a comprehensive three-year work plan from 2025 to 2027 aimed at improving the overall well-being of children across the state. The agreement was signed on Thursday in Katsina, marking a renewed commitment to investing in sectors critical to child development.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, Mr Rahama Mohammed-Farah, described the work plan as more than a formal document—it represents a shared vision for a better future for every child in Katsina. Represented by UNICEF Health Manager Dr Sereke Seyoum-Deres, Mohammed-Farah outlined the areas covered under the plan, including health, nutrition, education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and social policy.
“Children are the future of this great nation, and investing in their wellbeing is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic decision that will yield long-term dividends for the state’s development,” he said.
Highlighting the persistent threat of the polio virus, he emphasised the importance of eradicating it by 2025 through intensified community mobilisation, awareness campaigns, and widespread vaccination. He urged the Katsina State Government to take a proactive role at all levels—ward, district, and local government—to eliminate vaccine hesitancy and ensure complete coverage.
UNICEF also called on the government to explore public-private partnerships, utilise state resources effectively, and strengthen grassroots initiatives to ensure no child is left behind. On education, Mohammed-Farah stressed the urgent need to address the rising number of out-of-school children by enhancing early learning and improving school readiness from the primary level.
In addition to supporting child education and health, UNICEF remains committed to assisting the state in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by helping the remaining seven local governments meet the required standards. The agency also urged Katsina to prioritise child-focused social protection measures to address the multiple forms of deprivation children face, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Governor Dikko Radda, in his remarks, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to advancing children’s welfare through strong partnerships. He highlighted significant investments in the education sector, stating that over N100 billion has been spent on initiatives including teacher recruitment, support for science and technical education, scholarships, and the construction of new schools.
He added that the partnership with UNICEF reflects his administration’s determination to build a brighter, more inclusive future for every child in Katsina.